Psalm 139:20, "For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain," speaks to the blasphemous and disrespectful use of God's name by the psalmist's enemies. Let's break it down:
"For they speak against you wickedly...": This means the enemies of the psalmist are not merely disagreeing with him or being unpleasant; they are speaking evil, malicious, and morally wrong things against God. This could involve lies, accusations, or profanity directed at God.
"Your enemies take your name in vain...": This is a direct violation of the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7). To "take God's name in vain" means to:
Use God's name lightly or carelessly: Without reverence or respect.
Use God's name in false oaths or promises: To lie or deceive while invoking God's authority.
Use God's name to curse or swear: To use it in anger, frustration, or to wish harm on others.
Use God's name hypocritically: To claim to represent God while acting in ways that contradict His teachings and character.
In essence, the verse accuses the psalmist's enemies of being deeply disrespectful towards God. They're not just opposing the psalmist; they're actively blaspheming and misusing God's name, indicating a profound lack of reverence and a deliberate rejection of God's authority. This verse highlights the depth of the enemies' wickedness and their opposition to both the psalmist and God.
Psalm 139:20, "For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain," speaks to the blasphemous and disrespectful use of God's name by the psalmist's enemies. Let's break it down:
"For they speak against you wickedly...": This means the enemies of the psalmist are not merely disagreeing with him or being unpleasant; they are speaking evil, malicious, and morally wrong things against God. This could involve lies, accusations, or profanity directed at God.
"Your enemies take your name in vain...": This is a direct violation of the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7). To "take God's name in vain" means to:
Use God's name lightly or carelessly: Without reverence or respect.
Use God's name in false oaths or promises: To lie or deceive while invoking God's authority.
Use God's name to curse or swear: To use it in anger, frustration, or to wish harm on others.
Use God's name hypocritically: To claim to represent God while acting in ways that contradict His teachings and character.
In essence, the verse accuses the psalmist's enemies of being deeply disrespectful towards God. They're not just opposing the psalmist; they're actively blaspheming and misusing God's name, indicating a profound lack of reverence and a deliberate rejection of God's authority. This verse highlights the depth of the enemies' wickedness and their opposition to both the psalmist and God.